BEST PLACE FOR A FLUTTER: The Friend in Hand Hotel

A day at the races it’s not, but as crustaceans start flying and the beer starts flowing, the Friend in Hand’s weekly crab-racing nights always promise an interesting night. Don’t mind the human appendages strewn around the place, nor the dummy fire-fighter sporting a fully loaded water pistol – once you wrap your cheeks around a mouthful of the hotel’s famous pasta you’ll be right. Aussie flags and Tooheys festoon the walls – and if it weren’t for the Tuesday night poetry readings, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is one hard yakka pub. (Bianca de Meyrick)

58 Cowper St, Glebe. 9660 2326, www.friendinhand.com.au